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If we put real power in the hands of the people, aren't we getting close to mob rule? Consider all the people who vote for the shape changers we have in office now. Would the voters be any better at picking the right initiatives than they are at picking the right candidates? The usual suspects would throw their monetary support behind ideas that will benefit them just as fast as they now throw their money at candidates. Would the voters understand the ramifications of initiatives? Would they have a clue as to how to pay for initiatives? We have to get billionaires and their lobbyists' money out of politics. Maybe we need term limits or some way to stop politicians from leaving government for jobs in industries they were supposed to be regulating.

Craig, to the Founders in 1787, mob rule was a valid concern because only the wealthy sent their children to school. With tax-supported public schools and laws requiring attendance, it stopped being a concern to most people. If it’s a concern for you, tell us your reason(s).

Shape changers in office? They change shapes as required to win the votes to stay in office.

The new-to-politics millionaire Michael Huffington challlenged the incumbent Dianne Feinstein for her US Senate seat. He spent millions more than she did, dollars per vote versus her pennies per vote, and lost GRANDLY.

An unknown Tom Sarbeck ran in a primary against an incumbent speaker of the Arizona House. I spent one tenth of what the Speaker spent. For a while I led in the voting. Then his strong precincts totals came in and he won.

But, Ruth, if you believe Noam’s every word, you won’t always be wrong.

You didn't understand what Craig said? It made perfect sense to me. Voters aren't going to magically become more discerning because they have ballot measures along with candidates, and money talks just as loudly there as it does in candidate campaigns.

Bert, you don't know what scattergunning is? I appreciate your not doing it.

Craig's post on August 28 and your post's third sentence mean the same?

Also, you are excused for not knowing of the bills the California legislature passed that require ballot initiatives to identify their major funders. The bills are on the governor's desk and efforts have begun to persuade him to sign them into law.